Media Release

BRAMPTON, ON – The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister for Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced yesterday that a strategy to build an Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster for Canada has qualified for federal investments under the Government of Canada’s Innovation Superclusters Initiative.

More than 140 organizations participated, including the City of Brampton, in the Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster bid. The City of Brampton provides letters of support for the bid and partnered with the Brampton Board of Trade on a talent development proposal for funding within the larger Supercluster project. In support of this proposal and the overall bid, the City has been actively engaged in the process, and will remain engaged as funding decisions are made.

The newly incorporated Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGM Canada), will be the lead organization in leveraging more than $800M in proposed investments by industry and the federal government, in turn funding proposals and projects to create new opportunities for firms, supply chains, communities, and thousands of Canadians employed in key industry segments.

The geographical focus of the Supercluster is the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area, and as a result, Brampton has an opportunity to see new investments. The City has a significant advanced manufacturing sector including approximately 900 companies and engaged post-secondary partners like Sheridan College and now Ryerson University. Advanced manufacturing accounts for more than 35,000 jobs in Brampton, with one in five people employed in Brampton working in manufacturing. The Brampton manufacturing ecosystem has significant strengths as well with stakeholders like Sheridan’s Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies and Sheridan’s Skilled Trades Centre that provide companies with the resources necessary to support development of new products/process and people for the sector.

There are three pillars to the Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster strategy:• Co-invest in collaborative, industry-led projects in things like vision systems, AI, IoT, data security, robotics, advanced materials, and additive manufacturing• Support the creation of new tools, testbeds, and infrastructure to help create the next generation of manufacturing firms• Build out a robust ecosystem of supports and services that accelerate technology adoption in manufacturing i.e. technology readiness assessments, training and skills development, and go-to-market support

As we learn more in the coming months about how this funding will be implemented, officials from the City of Brampton are looking forward to working with NGM Canada to assist with the implementation of this new cluster.

Quotes:“I want to thank Todd Letts and the Brampton Board of Trade for spearheading Brampton’s efforts in the Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster. Their vision of bolstering our city’s strong manufacturing and innovation base is one we share and we appreciate all of their hard advocacy in helping to win this bid. This is a unique opportunity for our city, local business, and post-secondary institutions to invest in new technology, R&D, and training new workers.”- Mayor Linda Jeffrey

“This announcement plays right into Brampton’s strengths. The scope of the advanced manufacturing sector in Brampton, and the capabilities of our post-secondary partners enhances the possibilities for jobs and investment that this new funding brings.” - City Councillor Jeff Bowman, Chair, Economic Development and Culture

“Advanced manufacturing is a key growth sector in the City of Brampton. New funding for the region can only help increase opportunities and investment in an area that provides access to so many high-paying, skilled jobs. Our work to date on a Brampton-specific proposal with partners like Brannon Steel, ABB Robotics, Maple Lodge Farms, BMP Metals and Almag Aluminum has re-enforced how important initiatives like this are to keep growing the advanced manufacturing sector. ”- Bob Darling, Director, Economic Development and Culture

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​Brampton is thinking bigger. We are a future ready organization with a sharp focus. We know our community’s growth, youth and diversity set us apart. We sit at the centre of Canada’s innovation super corridor, encouraging investment and growing our global success. We are building vibrant urban centres that ignite opportunity and instill pride in the people who live and work here. We are moving Brampton forward to be a connected city that is innovative, inclusive and bold. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Learn more at www.brampton.ca.